OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington Medical Commission (WMC) issued an order restricting the license of physician Ryan N. Cole, MD (License #00048229). The order, issued following a five-day hearing, restricts Cole to the practice of pathology; he may not practice primary care medicine and may not prescribe medication. Cole practices in Boise, Idaho, but is licensed in both Idaho and Washington. The restrictions apply only to his practice in Washington.

In the Order, the WMC found that Cole made demonstrably false or misleading statements in public presentations regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 vaccines, the use of ivermectin to treat COVID-19, and the effectiveness of masks.

The WMC also found that Cole misrepresented his education and training in public presentations and to the WMC, publicly implied that a physician’s death was due to the COVID-19 vaccine even though the physician died of a heart attack six months after getting vaccinated, and misrepresented facts to the WMC when stating that he had not advised patients or the general public to refrain from getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

The WMC also found that Cole provided substandard care to four Washington patients by prescribing ivermectin via telemedicine without seeing or examining the patients; failing to address other medical issues; and failing to document a history, medical decision-making, and informed consent.

In addition to the restrictions, Cole is required to take continuing medical education courses in COVID-19, pulmonary and respiratory diseases, medical-record keeping, and telehealth. Cole must also complete an ethics course, pay a fine of $5000, and write a paper addressing professionalism, truthfulness, and honesty in the practice of medicine.

Legal documents in this case are available online by visiting the DOH Provider Credential Search.

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**This notice is intended to comply with RCW 18.130.110. The Washington Medical Commission promotes patient safety and enhances the integrity of the medical profession through licensing, rulemaking, discipline, and education. Learn more about the commission at wmc.wa.gov. Follow the WMC on Facebook and Twitter